| |
Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
 | |
|
The demography of aging in Bangladesh
— a scenario analysis of the consequences | | Author(s) | Hafiz T A Khan, George W Leeson |
| Journal title | Hallym International Journal of Aging, vol 8, no 1, 2006 |
| Pages | pp 1-22 |
| Source | http://baywood.com |
| Keywords | Demography ; Ageing process ; Bangladesh. |
| Annotation | The older population is expected to increase globally both in terms of absolute and relative numbers, and Bangladesh is no exception. Although in recent years Bangladesh has achieved considerable success in fertility reduction and gradual improvement in mortality, morbidity, human capital and the economy, important questions remain. Has the debate on ageing has really emerged as a demographic issue? If so, what are the important issues, and how should the country be prepared to face the challenges of ageing in order to implement public policies? This article attempts to explore important issues of ageing and their consequences in Bangladesh. The study uses data collected from a national representative primary source. It finds that by now ageing has emerged as a new demographic issue in Bangladesh: the absolute number of older people is very large and is expected to grow; and there will be more people widowed in old age. Despite recent socioeconomic changes, older people prefer to live with other family members, particularly married sons with grandchildren so they can spend time with them in later life. In turn, they also support families, both financially and voluntarily. The study also reveals that the traditional support system is gradually shifting downwards in Bangladesh, and older people are seeking alternative financial and health care support from the government. Research is needed to understand the reality of older people, their well-being and security. People should be encouraged to support an accommodate their ageing parents or relatives as regular members of the family. The Bangladeshi government should introduce an appropriate pension system and health insurance scheme to cover the vast majority of poor people who live in rural areas. (RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-080403201 A |
| Classmark | S8: BG: 7FD |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
|
| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
| |
|